More to Tri: 5K Run

Maybe Democratic Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is feeling left out of the news with Republicans hogging all the media attention and taking over a large part of the city next door for a few days. Or maybe he just wants to show off his sculpted calves in bike shorts. Either way, the man dubbed the nation's fittest mayor by Men's Health magazine is hosting a mini-triathlon, mercifully, for those in poorer shape than the mayor, spread out over three days. But if you want to challenge Rybak on foot, bicycle, or in the water, you're going to have to wake up freakin' early: All three legs of the triathlon begin at 6:30 a.m. Visiting Republicans more interested in staying in shape than hitting up parties, liberals, and apolitical types can avoid hearing about the GOP and find common ground by taking in the beauty of Minnehaha Park and Falls for a 5K run on Monday. Participants will spend Tuesday morning on bikes dodging traffic on a venture that begins at the Stone Arch Bridge and winds through downtown and along the riverfront. Finally, on Wednesday, More to Tri comes to an end in a chilly swim or kayak excursion on Lake Calhoun. It's a safe bet John McCain won't be coming along. Free. 6:30 a.m. Run takes place Monday at Minnehaha Park and Falls (4801 Minnehaha Ave. S., Minneapolis); bike ride takes place Tuesday at the Stone Arch Bridge (219 S. Main St., Minneapolis); swim/kayak takes place Wednesday at Lake Calhoun (3000 Calhoun Pkwy., Minneapolis). For more info visit www.minneapolis.org/page/more-to-tri.jsp.
Mon., Sept. 1, 6:30 a.m., 2008